Paul Zilinskas has become a key part of RB’s basketball team this season.

Boys Basketball: Paul Zilinskas

Basketball is very meaningful to many people as it is considered a part of life and daily schedule. This is how it is for Paul Zilinskas, senior here at Riverside Brookfield High School. Paul is one of the members on the Bulldogs’ varsity squad. He has a special connection with the game as he looks to make it a career. Paul has helped lead the Bulldogs to a 20-10 record while also playing a key part in the team’s scoring.

Zilinskas’ love for the game has always been there. Paul previously played at Harold L. Richards High School before transferring to RB for his senior season. Zilinskas also played AAU for NBA player Evan Turner’s team, the ET21 Buckeyes.

“Basketball is like a way of living to me because my mom taught me how to play while I was growing up and I’ve just been playing ever since I was like five or seven years old,” Zilinskas said, the team’s leading scorer.

So far, Zilinskas has racked up offers from Trinity Christian College, Governors State University, and Division II Quincy University.

“I will be playing in college next year to whatever university I decide [to attend] and hopefully I’ll be able to go pro after that, that’s the main goal,” Zilinskas said.

Boys Volleyball: Matt Hanson

Senior Matt Hanson started playing volleyball in fifth grade. Realizing he had a passion for it, he stuck with the sport, and has earned his spot as a middle blocker on the Riverside Brookfield High School Varsity boys volleyball team.

Not only does Hanson play for RB, he also manages the girl’s volleyball team.

“Not only playing volleyball, but watching volleyball year round makes you a better player,” Hanson said. “Seeing how they play and seeing how it’s different really helps you improve.”

Hanson’s not sure if he wishes to continue his career in volleyball past high school, but says that it is definitely a possibility.

“I’m really open minded about doing different stuff or moving people around,” Hanson said, “so if I were to be put anywhere on the team i would play my best in that position, no matter what. I would say that being open minded makes me unique on the team.”